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SETTING UP BUSINESS IN CALIFORNIA:

A GUIDE FOR INVESTORS

A publication of:
California Labor & Workforce Development Agency

September 2008
Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Contents

INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 4
CALIFORNIA BUSINESS INVESTMENT SERVICES .........................................5
PART 1: INFORMATION FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS........................................... 6
OBTAINING A VISA.............................................................................................6
Nonimmigrant Visas .................................................................................................. 7
Immigrant Visas ........................................................................................................ 9
PART 2: REGISTERING A BUSINESS IN CALIFORNIA...................................... 10
DEFINING AND REGISTERING BUSINESS ENTITIES ....................................10
Sole Proprietorship.................................................................................................. 11
General Partnership ................................................................................................ 11
Limited Partnership ................................................................................................. 12
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) .......................................................................... 14
Limited Liability Company (LLC) ............................................................................. 16
Corporation ............................................................................................................. 18
REGISTERING A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME ............................................21
FILING FOR LOCAL LICENSES AND PERMITS..............................................22
REGISTERING A COMPANY’S TRADEMARK AND SERVICE MARK............22
REGISTERING FOR BUSINESS TAXES ..........................................................23
PART 3: OPERATING A BUSINESS ........................................................................ 27
GETTING LOANS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE .........................................27
Commercial Financial Institutions............................................................................ 27
Venture Capital ....................................................................................................... 27
Government Sources .............................................................................................. 27
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT..........................................................................28
SELLING MERCHANDISE.................................................................................30
Seller’s Permit ......................................................................................................... 31
MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS .......................................................................32
Permits .................................................................................................................... 32
PART 4: ADMINISTERING EMPLOYEES................................................................ 33
COMPLYING WITH EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY LAWS ..............33
Employee Rights ..................................................................................................... 33
At-Will Employment and Wrongful Termination....................................................... 35
Employee Safety and Health Protection.................................................................. 36
PROVIDING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ................................................................38
Vacation .................................................................................................................. 39
Holiday .................................................................................................................... 39
Personal Days And/Or Floating Holidays ................................................................ 40
Sick Leave............................................................................................................... 40

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Paid Time Off .......................................................................................................... 40


Medical, Dental And Vision ..................................................................................... 41
Retirement............................................................................................................... 41
ESTABLISHING WAGES AND HOURS ............................................................42
Sources Of California Labor Law ............................................................................ 42
Sources Of Federal Labor Law ............................................................................... 42
Fair Labor Standards Act ........................................................................................ 42
Wage Rates ............................................................................................................ 44
FILING EMPLOYMENT TAXES .........................................................................45
State Of California................................................................................................... 45
U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ........................................................................50
Income Tax ............................................................................................................. 50
OBTAINING WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE...............................52
FINDING EMPLOYEES......................................................................................55
CalJOBSSM .............................................................................................................. 56
Listing Job Openings............................................................................................... 56
California's One-Stop Career Centers..................................................................... 57
HTTP://WWW.EDD.CA.GOV/ONE-STOP/PIC.HTM. .............................................. 57
PART 5: PHYSICALLY SETTING UP AN OFFICE OR FACILITY....................... 58
LOCATING AN OFFICE OR FACILITY .............................................................58
ACQUIRING OFFICE MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT ..................................59
OBTAINING OFFICE/FACILITY INSURANCE ..................................................59
MAKING USE OF GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES ..............................................59
OTHER RESOURCES .................................................................................................. 60
AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS .................................................................60
State........................................................................................................................ 60
Federal and National ............................................................................................... 60
PUBLICATIONS .................................................................................................62
Business Start- Up Kits ........................................................................................... 62
Taxes ...................................................................................................................... 62
Product Classification.............................................................................................. 63
APPENDIX I: CALIFORNIA INVESTMENT GUIDE ................................................ 65

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Introduction

SETTING UP BUSINESS IN CALIFORNIA: A GUIDE FOR INVESTORS was


prepared especially to:

• Outline and briefly describe the general procedures for establishing a


business in California;
• Provide links to forms that may need to be filed to legally set up and
operate a business in California; and,
• Serve as a resource guide to the several government and affiliated
agencies and organizations that a business may contact in the
establishment process.

California has numerous government agencies, boards and offices with which a
business must interact. The number of government entities, along with their own
registration and filing requirements, may seem overwhelming at first. The goal of
this booklet, therefore, is to present an orderly, functional approach to the
services offered and/or filings required by the government entities and their
relationship to the business investor.

This booklet was compiled and produced by the California Labor & Workforce
Development Agency, and is replete with information contributed from many
California and United States agencies, offices, and other organizations. These
groups made every effort to provide the most current information and instructions
tailored to the needs of business investors.

The result is this collection of resources and information that aims to assist the
investor in understanding business practices, registration requirements and filing
procedures necessary to successfully register and operate a business in
California. Sources should be contacted directly or through the Internet before
action is taken to file or register, as fee amounts, forms and registration
requirements may change.

Introduction Page 4
Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

California Business Investment Services

California Business Investment Services (CalBIS), in the California Labor &


Workforce Development Agency, serves as the principal state office responsible
for promoting and advancing domestic and foreign investment in California.

CalBIS provides confidential consultation to employers, corporate real estate


executives, and site location consultants considering California for new business
investment and expansion.

CalBIS’ professional project managers provide tailored site selection services


free of charge.

Contact CalBIS at:

CalBIS
801 K Street, Suite 2100
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 322-0000
Fax: (916) 322-0614
e-mail: CalBIS@labor.ca.gov
Website: http://www.labor.ca.gov/CalBIS

California Business Investment Services Page 5


Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Part 1: Information for Foreign Investors

OBTAINING A VISA

In preparing for a journey to California, the foreign investor will need to obtain a
United States visa. U.S. visa considerations require careful planning well in
advance of travel because processing times can be lengthy. The State of
California is not involved in the issuance of visas. Necessary forms and filing
procedures are supplied by the in-country U.S. Embassy. Address and contact
information for U.S. Embassies around the world can be found on the Internet at
the website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/embassies/embassies_1214.html.

It is highly recommended that a California-based immigration attorney be


consulted to clarify which type of visa may be most appropriate for the individual
and the company. The immigration attorney should be one located in the same
county where the foreign investor will reside. Immigration attorneys are generally
listed in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone directory under “attorneys,
immigration.” Another resource is:

American Immigration Lawyers Association


918 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004-1400
Tel: (202) 216-2400
Fax: (202) 783-7853
Website: http://www.aila.org

The threshold question for employees to be transferred to the United States is


whether they are classified as nonimmigrants or immigrants. Nonimmigrants
come to the United States temporarily to carry on activities in accordance with
the terms of a nonimmigrant visa. Immigrants enter the United States under an
immigrant visa and reside here indefinitely in lawful permanent resident status
(evidenced by a “green card”). Information regarding the different visa types is
available online from the U.S. Department of State at:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html.

Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001, involve extensive and
ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to our national security.
Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past.
It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date.

The following is a summary of the requirements of certain nonimmigrant and


immigrant visas. Depending on the persons involved and the length of their
projected stay in the United States, visa requirements vary.

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

NONIMMIGRANT VISAS

Temporary Visitor for Business (B-1)


B-1 business visas are available to persons coming to the United States
temporarily to conduct business on behalf of their foreign employer. They may
not engage in local labor for hire, must be compensated by their foreign employer
(expenses are permitted) and must maintain a permanent residence overseas
which they have no intention of abandoning.

B-1 visa holders may be admitted for an initial period of up to one year, and may
be granted extensions in six-month increments. Under a special program for
nationals of certain countries, the Visa Waiver Program allows business visitors
to apply for admission to the United States without a visa for up to 90 days, with
certain restrictions applied. Visit the Visa Waiver Program to learn more, and find
out if you meet the visa waiver requirements.

The federal government has established a Business Visa Center, at


http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_2664.html, to assist with obtaining
B-1 visas.

NOTE: Representatives of the foreign press, radio, film, journalists or other


information media, engaging in that vocation while in the U.S., require a
nonimmigrant Media (I) visa and cannot travel to the U.S. using a visitor visa and
cannot travel on the visa waiver program, seeking admission by the DHS
immigration inspector, at the U.S. at the port of entry. Visit the Visa Waiver
Program to learn more.

Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor (E-1/E-2)


Treaties between the United States and many countries allow foreign nationals to
come to the United States to conduct trade or to manage substantial investments
(no fixed dollar amount). Those qualifying for the E-1 (Trader) or E-2 (Investor)
visas can pursue long-term business objectives using these practical visas. The
list of qualifying countries changes as new trade treaties are ratified by the U.S.
Congress. More information may be obtained through the U.S. Department of
State at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1273.html.

A person may be issued an E-1 Treaty Trader visa if:

• The individual or the firm has the nationality of the treaty country (at least
half of the company must be owned by nationals of the treaty country);
• The individual is either the principal trader, who is coming to the United
States to engage in substantial trade or, an executive, manager or
employee with special skills essential to the company.

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Countries with treaties for E-1visas include:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei,


Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Korea, Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Slovenia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden,
Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia

A person may be issued an E-2 Treaty Investor visa if:


• The individual or the firm has the nationality of the treaty country (at least
half of the company must be owned by nationals of the treaty country).
• The individual or the company has made or is in the process of making a
substantial investment in a business in the United States;
• The individual is either the principal investor, who will direct and develop
the enterprise, or an executive, manager or employee with special skills
essential to the company; or,
• The investment is not the individual’s sole income source.

Countries with treaties for E-2 visas include:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina,


Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech
Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Grenada, Honduras,
Iran, Italy, Japan , Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Luxembourg,
Mexico, Modova, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama,
Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Slovak Republic,
Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand,
Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia, Zaire

Investors from qualifying countries may apply for an E2 visa in order to 'Direct
and Develop' their investment. They may also apply for E2 visas for key
managerial and specialist employees. In contrast to the L1 visa, there is no
requirement that such employees have worked for the Investor for at least one
year in the last three, nor is it necessary for the Investor to continue operations
outside the USA while the Investor or his/her employees are in the USA.

E visas are typically valid for one to five years with renewals from the appropriate
Immigration Regional Service Center.

Australian in Specialty Occupation (E-3)


The E-3 is aY new visa for Australian nationals to work in specialty occupations
in the U.S. It has many advantages over the other types of working visas,
including the ability for spouses of E-3 recipients to apply for work authorization.

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

The new E-3 visa classification currently applies only to nationals of Australia as
well as their spouses and children.

Intracompany Transfer (L-1)


This visa classification is available for an employee of a company. Only those
companies that exactly meet the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
(INS) definitions of a parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate quality to petition for
an L-1 intra-company transferee visa.

There are provisions to allow a new office to open in the United States provided
that evidence is submitted to the INS to prove that the new office has a suitable
place to do business, a qualifying business structure, and that the employer has
the ability to pay the employee and to begin doing business in the United States.

A key qualification for all employees is employment abroad by a qualifying


foreign employer for one continuous year within the last three years preceding
the time of the employee’s application for admission into the United States.
Intracompany transferees are executives, managers and employees with
specialized knowledge.

IMMIGRANT VISAS

Employment-based Immigrant Investor Visa (EB-5)


Of the various types of employment-based permanent resident visas, the
employment-based fifth preference visa (EB-5) is available to foreign investors
who wish to make a capital investment in a commercial enterprise and obtain
permanent residence in the United States. The amount of the investment must
be at least one million dollars, unless the investment is to be in a targeted
employment area, in which case the investment need only be five hundred
thousand dollars. In all cases, the investment must also create full-time
employment for at least 10 U.S. citizens or other legal residents, not including the
investor or members of the investor’s family.

References

A list of the different types of Nonimmigrant Visas and additional information is


available from the U.S. Department of State at:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html.

The U.S. Department of State also provides additional information on Immigrant


Visas at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/immigrants_1340.html.

Additional information on the employment-based Immigrant Investor Visa is


available at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1323.html.

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Part 2: Registering a Business in California

DEFINING AND REGISTERING BUSINESS ENTITIES

This section highlights the principal differences between format and registration
requirements in California of the following types of business entities:

• Sole Proprietorship
• General Partnership
• Limited Partnership
• Limited Liability Partnership
• Limited Liability Company
• Corporation

All business registration is made with the California Secretary of State (hereafter
referred to simply as the Secretary of State). Information on the types of business
entities is available on the Internet at http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/filings.htm.

Numerous references are available to guide the entrepreneur in forming a new


business in California. A good source for business start-up is:

California Chamber of Commerce


1215 K Street, 14th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
P.O. Box 1736, Sacramento, CA 95812-1736
Tel: (916) 444-6670
Membership: (800) 649-4921
Fax: (916) 325-1272
Website: http://www.calchamber.com/

The California Economic Development Partnership’s California Business Portal,


www.calbusiness.ca.gov, provides access to many resources for entrepreneurs and
existing businesses.

The California Taxes Information Center provides information on the types of


business entities and the associated business taxes, accessible at:
http://www.taxes.ca.gov/incbus.html.

The focus of the following text is to present the general format of California
business entities and the registration process of existing foreign firms to conduct
business in California.

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SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP

General Format
A sole proprietorship is set up to allow an individual to own and operate a
business by him/herself. A sole proprietor has total control, receives all profits
from and is responsible for taxes and liabilities of the business. If a sole
proprietorship is formed with a name other than the individual's name (example:
John Smiths Fishing Shop), a Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed
with the county where the principal place of business is located. To determine the
applicable county agency where fictitious business names are filed, please refer
to the list of California counties provided on the California State Association of
Counties website. No formation documents are required to be filed with the
Secretary of State. Other state filings may be required depending on the type of
business.

GENERAL PARTNERSHIP

General Format
A general partnership must have two or more persons engaged in a business for
profit. The business is not a separately taxed entity; rather, it is a conduit where
the profit or loss flows through to the partners. The partners report their share of
the partnership profit or loss on their individual income tax returns. All partners
enter into partnership by either oral or written agreement that must cover all
terms of the parties’ business relationship. Partnerships are quite flexible; a great
variety of control and management structures are available by agreement.

Partners are jointly and severally liable for all legal and financial obligations of the
partnership and for all wrongful acts of any partner acting in the ordinary course
of partnership business. Partnership income is taxed as personal income to the
partners.

Registration Procedure
A Statement of Partnership Authority (GP-1) may be filed with the Secretary of
State at the option of the business entity. This document specifies the authority,
or limitations on the authority, of some or all of the partners to enter into
transactions on behalf of the partnership and any other matter.

Upon receipt, the Secretary of State’s Office will review the statement for
statutory compliance. Once the document is filed, the Secretary of State will
return a file-stamped copy of the GP-1, and a Certificate of Registration to the
general partnership.

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Change or Dissolution
If the business filed a Statement of Partnership Authority (GP-1) with the
Secretary of State, the business should file a Statement of Dissociation
(Secretary of State form GP-3) to document the partner or partners that have
dissociated with the partnership. If the partnership amends or cancels a
partnership statement previously filed with the Secretary of State, the firm should
note the details on a Statement of Amendment/Cancellation (GP-7) and file it
with the Secretary of State. To terminate the partnership, the firm should
complete a Statement of Dissolution (GP-4) and file it with the Secretary of State.
This will remove the company from Secretary of State records as an active entity
for tax purposes.

For additional information about registering general partnerships, contact:

Secretary of State
Document Filing Support Unit
P.O. Box 944225
Sacramento, CA 94244-2250
Tel: (916) 657-5448
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/gp/gp.htm

Forms and References

Statement of Partnership Authority (GP-1)


Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/gp/forms/gp-1.pdf
Statement of Dissociation (GP-3)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/gp/forms/gp-3.pdf
Statement of Amendment/Cancellation (GP-7)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/gp/forms/gp-7.pdf
Statement of Dissolution (GP-4)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/gp/forms/gp-4.pdf

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

General format
Limited partnerships are formed by two or more people, with at least one person
acting as the general partner who has management authority and personal
liability, and at least one person in the role of limited partner who is a passive
investor with no management authority. All partners – both general and limited –
must enter into limited partnership by either oral or written agreement.

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Limited partnerships are managed and controlled by general partners; general


partners have authority to bind the partnership. Limited partners normally do not
participate in managing the business.

The general partners are liable for partnership obligations to the same extent as
partners of general partnerships. Limited partners, however, are generally not
liable for partnership obligations; their only risk is their agreed capital
contribution, or as provided in the partnership agreement. However, if limited
partners participate in the management of the partnership business, they may
lose their protected limited partner status and become liable for all risk.

All limited partnerships are required to file with the Secretary of State's office.
A foreign limited partnership is a partnership formed under the laws of any state
other than this state or under the laws of a foreign country and having one or
more general partners and one or more limited partners.

Registration Procedure for Domestic Businesses


A limited partnership must complete and file a Certificate of Limited Partnership
(Secretary of State form LP-1). There is a $70 filing fee.

Registration Procedure for Foreign Businesses


A foreign-owned limited partnership must complete and file a Foreign Limited
Partnership Application for Registration (Secretary of State form LP-5), along
with a $70 filing fee. The Foreign Limited Partnership Application for
Registration identifies the principal executive office and the agent of record in
California. Upon receipt, the Secretary of State’s Office will review the Foreign
Limited Partnership Application for Registration for statutory compliance. Once
the document is filed, the Secretary of State will return a file-stamped copy of the
LP-5, plus a Certificate of Registration to the limited partnership.

Limited partnerships are required to pay an annual $800 franchise tax in order to
conduct business in California. State and federal tax liability on taxable income is
passed through to the partners (see Section 6 of this booklet, Registering for
Business Taxes).

Change or Dissolution
Change or dissolution occurs in accordance with specifications in the partnership
agreement, and as provided in the relevant code provisions for the limited
partnership.

To register a change in the limited partnership, the company must complete the
Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnerships (Secretary of State form LP-2)
and pay a $30 fee. Foreign firms must complete the Foreign Limited Partnership
Amendment to Application for Registration (Secretary of State form LP-6) and
submit it to the Secretary of State with the required $30 filing fee.

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To register cancellation or dissolution of the limited partnership, the company


must complete Limited Partnership Certificate of Cancellation (Secretary of State
form LP-4/7) and submit it to the Secretary of State. There is no filing fee.

For additional information regarding limited partnerships, contact:

Secretary of State
Document Filing Support Unit
P.O. Box 944225
Sacramento, CA 94244-2250
Tel: (916) 657-5448
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/lp/lp.htm
\
Forms and References
Certificate of Limited Partnership (LP-1)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/lp/forms/lp-1.pdf
Foreign Limited Partnership Application for Registration (LP-5)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/lp/forms/lp-5.pdf
Foreign Limited Partnership Amendment to Application for Registration (LP-6)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/lp/forms/lp-6.pdf
Limited Partnership Certificate of Cancellation (LP-4/7)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/lp/forms/lp-4.pdf

LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (LLP)

General Format
In a limited liability partnership, the partners enjoy some protection against
personal liability. Each partner must be a person licensed under California laws
to engage in the practice of public accountancy, law or architecture. The LLP is
not a separate entity for income tax purposes; profits and losses are passed
through to the partners and reported on each individual’s tax return.

A registered limited liability partnership must either a) maintain a malpractice


liability insurance policy against claims of at least $100,000 multiplied by the
number of licensed practitioners in the LLP, and not less than $500,000; or
alternately, b) satisfy this requirement by confirming in writing that as of the most
recently completed fiscal year, the LLP had a net worth of at least $10 million for
an LLP providing accountancy services, $15 million for an LLP providing legal
services, or $10 million for an LLP providing architectural services.

Like a general partnership, all partners have equal rights in the management of
an LLP unless otherwise agreed. Partnerships are quite flexible; a great variety
of control and management structures are available by agreement.

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Each partner is responsible for liabilities imposed by law arising out of his or her
own acts and omissions. In addition, each partner is responsible for debts and
liabilities as defined in the LLP agreement.

Registration Procedure
Firms must complete the Registered Limited Liability Partnership Registration
(Secretary of State form LLP-1) and submit it to the Secretary of State along with
a $70 filing fee. In addition, if the LLP chooses to satisfy the malpractice liability
requirement by confirming the minimum net worth, the LLP must also complete
and file a Limited Liability Partnership Alternative Security Provision transmittal
form (Secretary of State form LLP-3) with the Secretary of State. Upon receipt,
the Secretary of State’s Office will review the registration form for statutory
compliance. Once the document is filed, the Secretary of State will return a file-
stamped copy of the LLP-1, plus a Certificate of Registration to the limited liability
partnership.

Change or Dissolution
To register a change in the LLP, one or more authorized partners must complete
and submit a Limited Liability Partnership Amendment to Registration (Secretary
of State form LLP-2) along with a $30 filing fee to the Secretary of State. To
register cancellation or dissolution of the LLP, one or more authorized partners
must complete a Notice of Change of Status (Secretary of State form LLP-4) and
submit it with a $30 filing fee.

NOTE: On September 29, 2006, the Governor of California signed Assembly Bill
2341, eliminating the need for a tax clearance certificate. This legislation
streamlined the process for dissolving, or canceling the existence of business
entities. Before this law was enacted, certain business entities, i.e., foreign
corporations had to meet requirements of the Franchise Tax Board, before the
Secretary of State (SOS) would grant the business's request to terminate.
Passage of AB 2341 remedies this situation. For more information, refer to
Eliminating the Need for a Tax Clearance Certificate later in this section.

For additional information regarding registration of limited liability partnerships,


contact:
Secretary of State
Document Filing Support Unit
P.O. Box 944225
Sacramento, CA 94244-2250
Tel: (916) 657-5448
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/llp.htm

Forms and References

Registered Limited Liability Partnership Registration (LLP-1)


Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/forms/llp-1.pdf

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Limited Liability Partnership Alternative Security Provision (LLP-3)


Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/forms/llp-3.pdf
Limited Liability Partnership Amendment to Registration (LLP-2)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/forms/llp-2.pdf
Limited Liability Partnership Notice of Change of Status (LLP-4)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/forms/llp-4.pdf

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC)

General Format
A limited liability company is a hybrid business entity. It has a separate legal
existence and generally offers liability protection to its owners (called members).
All members must enter into an operating agreement by either oral or written
agreement.

It can be classified as either a partnership or a corporation for tax purposes. The


Franchise Tax Board will automatically classify the LLC with two or more
members as a partnership unless the company elects to be taxed as a
corporation. If the LLC is classified as a partnership, the profit or loss flows
through to the owners/members; the LLC is subject to an annual minimum state
tax plus an annual fee based on total income.

Alternately, if it is classified as a corporation, it is treated like any other


corporation and is required to pay tax on its net income, including the applicable
minimum state tax of $800.

An LLC may be managed by managers who are not members, if provided for in
the articles of the organization. However, if the LLC is managed by managers,
they alone have authority to bind the LLC; members and directors have no
authority in these matters. Otherwise, the LLC is managed by its members. In
this case, every member is an agent of the LLC and has the power to bind the
LLC and the right to vote on merger or dissolution. Members and managers of
the LLC have the same degree of limited liability as a shareholder of a
corporation.

Registration Procedure for Domestic Companies


A domestic limited liability company registers as an LLC by completing the
Articles of Incorporation (Secretary of State form LLC-1) and submitting it to the
Secretary of State along with a $70 filing fee. This form identifies the principal
executive office, the principal office in California and the agent for service of
process.

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Registration Procedure for Foreign Companies


The foreign limited liability company registers as an LLC by completing a Limited
Liability Company Application for Registration form (Secretary of State form LLC-
5) and submitting it to the Secretary of State along with a $70 filing fee. This form
identifies the principal executive office, the principal office in California and the
agent for service of process.

The Limited Liability Company Application for Registration must be accompanied


by an official certificate that verifies the limited liability company exists in good
standing with the country or state of its formation. This certificate must be
obtained from the appropriate office in which the original LLC was registered and
presented with an English translation where applicable. The certificate must have
been issued within six months prior to submittal to the Secretary of State. The
Secretary of State’s Office will review the Limited Liability Company Application
for Registration for statutory compliance, then return a file-stamped copy of the
LLC-5 along with a Certificate of Registration to the limited liability company.

Foreign limited liability companies registered in California must file an annual


Statement of Information. Forms are mailed to the LLC from the Secretary of
State to the last address of record approximately three months prior to the due
date.

Changes or Amendments
To register any change in a domestic LLC, a Certificate of Amendment to the
Articles of Incorporation (Secretary of State form LLC-2) must be filed and a $30
fee submitted.
To register any change in a foreign LLC, one or more authorized persons must
complete a Limited Liability Company Application for Registration Certificate of
Amendment (Secretary of State form LLC-6) and submit it to the Secretary of
State along with the $30 filing fee.

Cancellation or Dissolution
To register cancellation or dissolution of a foreign or domestic LLC, one or more
authorized persons must complete a Limited Liability Company Certificate of
Cancellation (Secretary of State form LLC-4/7) and submit it to the Secretary of
State. There is no filing fee for this form.

NOTE: On September 29, 2006, the Governor of California signed Assembly Bill
2341, eliminating the need for a tax clearance certificate. This legislation
streamlined the process for dissolving, or canceling the existence of business
entities. Before this law was enacted, certain business entities, i.e., foreign
corporations had to meet requirements of the Franchise Tax Board, before the
Secretary of State (SOS) would grant the business's request to terminate.
Passage of AB 2341 remedies this situation. For more information, refer to
Eliminating the Need for a Tax Clearance Certificate later in this section.

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

For additional information regarding registration of limited liability companies,


contact:
Secretary of State
Document Filing Support Unit
P.O. Box 944225
Sacramento, CA 94244-2250
Tel: (916) 657-5448
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/llc.htm

Forms and References


Articles of Organization (LLC-1)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/forms/llc-1.pdf
Limited Liability Company Certificate of Amendment (LLC-2)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/forms/llc-2.pdf
Limited Liability Company Application for Registration (for foreign companies)
(LLC-5)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/forms/llc-5.pdf
Limited Liability Company Application for Registration Certificate of Amendment
(for foreign companies) (LLC-6)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/forms/llc-6.pdf
Limited Liability Company Certificate of Cancellation (LLC-4/7)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/forms/llc-3_4-7_4-8.pdf
Request for Tax Clearance Certificate (FTB 3555L)
Website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/index.html. Under the subheading “Get
Forms and Publications”, select the current tax filing year and select “Forms” on
the pull-down list, then find the link for FTB 3555L.

CORPORATION

General Format
A corporation is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders who enjoy
protection from personal liability. Corporations are taxed annually on their
earnings; corporate shareholders pay individual income tax on these earnings
when they are distributed as dividends.

A corporation is managed by or under the direction of a board of directors, which


generally determines corporate policy. Officers manage the day-to-day affairs of
the corporation. Shareholders do not participate in day-to-day management
activities. Management structure can be altered by committees of board
members and shareholder agreements. Shareholders generally are not
personally liable for obligations of the corporation.

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Registration Procedure for Domestic Corporations


Domestic stock companies must complete the Articles of Incorporation and pay a
$100 fee to the Secretary of State. There are three versions of the Articles of
Incorporation: general stock corporation, professional corporation and close
corporation.

Registration Procedure for Non-Profit Corporations


Non-profit companies must file Articles of Incorporation and submit a $30 fee to
the Secretary of State. There are two versions of the Articles: one for Public
Benefit, Mutual Benefit or Religious Corporations and one for Common Interest
Development Corporations.

Registration Procedure for Foreign Corporations


A foreign corporation must complete a Statement and Designation by Foreign
Corporation (Secretary of State form S&DC-General) and submit it to the
Secretary of State along with the $100 filing fee. This form identifies the company
name and place of incorporation, principal executive office, address of the
principal California office, and an agent for service of process.

Along with the completed Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation


form, a foreign corporation must include an official certificate that verifies the
corporation exists in good standing with the country or state of its incorporation.
This certificate must be obtained from the appropriate office in which the
corporation’s original articles were filed and presented with an English translation
where applicable. The certificate must have been issued within the six months
prior to submittal to the Secretary of State.

Upon receiving the Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation


(accompanied by the certificate), the Secretary of State’s office will review the
statement for compliance with the law, and then issue a file-stamped copy of the
S&DC General form plus a Certificate of Qualification to the corporation.

Foreign corporations qualified to transact business in California must file a


Statement by Foreign Corporation with the Secretary of State’s Office on the first
anniversary and every year thereafter. Forms are mailed to the corporation from
the Secretary of State’s Office to the last address of record.

Change or Dissolution
To amend (change, add or delete) provisions contained in the Articles of
Incorporation, it is necessary to prepare and file with the Secretary of State a
Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation. The fee is $30.

To change the name of a qualified foreign corporation, the company must


complete and submit an Amended Statement by Foreign Corporation (no form
number) to the Secretary of State along with the $30 filing fee.

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Upon dissolution of the corporation, the company must complete and submit a
Certificate of Surrender of Right to Transact Intrastate Business (no form
number) to the Secretary of State to withdraw the corporation from California
records. There is no filing fee.

For additional information regarding qualification and statement filing for


corporations, contact:

Secretary of State
Document Filing Support Unit
P.O. Box 944225
Sacramento, CA 94244-2250
Tel: (916) 657-5448
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/corporate.htm

Forms and References


Articles of Incorporation – General Stock
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/articles/corp_artsgen.pdf
Articles of Incorporation – Professional Corporation
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/articles/corp_artsprof.pdf
Articles of Incorporation – Close Corporation
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/articles/corp_artsclose.pdf
Articles of Incorporation – Non-profit Public Benefit
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/articles/corp_artsnp.pdf
Articles of Incorporation – Non-profit Common Interest Development
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/articles/corp_artscid.pdf
Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation (S&DC-General)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/foreign/corp_s&dcgen.pdf
Amended Statement by Foreign Corporation
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/foreign/corp_asdc.pdf
Foreign Corporation Surrender of Right to Transact Intrastate Business
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/foreign/corp_surr.pdf

A complete list of forms for registering all types of business entities is available
at: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/bpd_forms.htm#be.

ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR A TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE

On September 29, 2006, the Governor of California signed Assembly Bill 2341,
eliminating the need for a tax clearance certificate. This legislation streamlined
the process for dissolving, or canceling the existence of business entities. Before

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this law was enacted, certain business entities, i.e., foreign corporations had to
meet requirements of the Franchise Tax Board, before the Secretary of State
(SOS) would grant the business's request to terminate. Passage of AB 2341
remedies this situation.

Entities affected by this law include Corporations, Limited Liability Companies,


Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, Not-for-Profit Corporations
and exempt entities.

The effective date for the new law is September 29, 2006, and it is operative for
taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2006.

For information on specific provisions of this law and how a business entity
terminates its existence in California under the new law, refer to the California
Franchise Tax Board’s website at:
http://www.ftb.ca.gov/professionals/taxnews/1106/1106_4.html.

REGISTERING A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

A fictitious business name statement (D.b.a. or “doing business as”) must be


registered with the county clerk of the county of the registrant’s principal place of
business if the business is any of the following:

• Sole proprietorship doing business under a name not containing the


owner’s surname, such as Smith Accounting Services;
• Partnership; or,
• Corporation doing business under a name other than its legal name

Fictitious business names are not filed with the Secretary of State’s Office. There
is no provision in California for registration, in a central registry at the state level,
of fictitious business names. You must contact the city and/or county clerk and/or
recorder where the principal place of business is located for information
regarding filing or registering fictitious business names.

NOTE: Even though a proposed corporate name has been checked and/or
reserved, stationery, signs, corporate seals, etc., should not be ordered until you
receive notification of filing from the Secretary of State's Office, because the
corporation is not created or qualified until appropriate documents have been
filed with the Secretary of State’s office.

The statement must be filed within 40 days of the commencement of business or


before the statement on file expires. Along with the original, the county may
require several copies of the statement for filing. The county clerk will certify and
return all copies to the registrant, keeping the original. Within 30 days after filing
a fictitious business name statement, the registrant must publish the statement in

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a newspaper of general circulation in the county of its principal place of business.


The notice must appear once a week for four successive weeks. Within 30 days
of the last publishing date, the registrant must file an affidavit of publication with
the county clerk’s office.

The fee to file a fictitious business name statement varies depending on the
county or city where it is filed. Inquiries should be directed to the county clerk’s
office in which the business will be located.

FILING FOR LOCAL LICENSES AND PERMITS


Most cities and counties require a license to do business in the respective areas.
Various permits may be required for parking and building occupancy. Fire safety
regulations will be taken care of by the building owners in most cases.

Businesses within the incorporated area of a particular city should contact the
business licensing section of that city government for specific rules and
regulations. Businesses operating in more than one city or county may be
required to have more than one business license. The business license fee
varies with location; it may be a flat rate, percentage of gross sales, or a
combination of factors.

In addition, companies may be subject to local personal property taxes and be


required to register with the county assessor’s office. Other local taxes, such as
hotel occupancy, may require deposits and special permits. Information on specific
requirements should be requested from local city or county clerk’s offices.

Additional information on business licenses and permits is available through the


California Business Portal at: http://www.calbusiness.ca.gov/cedpeybplr.asp.

REGISTERING A COMPANY’S TRADEMARK AND SERVICE MARK


A company may register its trademark or service mark with the Secretary of State
by filing the completed form, Registration of Trademark and Service Mark
(Secretary of State form LP/TM 100) along with a fee of $70. The regulations
governing the registration of these are rather complex; a company should obtain
specific instructions directly from the Secretary of State.

For additional information about registering a trademark or service mark, contact:


Secretary of State
Trademarks/Service Marks
P.O. Box 942877
Sacramento, CA 94277-0001
Tel: (916) 653-3984
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/ts/ts_faq.htm

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Forms and References


Registration of Trademark and Service Mark (LP/TM 100)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/ts/forms/tm-100.pdf

REGISTERING FOR BUSINESS TAXES

Because of the complexity of tax laws and their strict enforcement, it is strongly
recommended that companies acquire specific assistance from a certified public
accountant or tax attorney regarding tax questions and tax return preparation.
Accountants or tax attorneys may be found in the local telephone Yellow Pages
under “accountants” or “attorneys, taxation law.”

STATE OF CALIFORNIA BUSINESS TAX INFORMATION

A business operating in California may be liable for taxes based on the


company’s annual income. Such taxes are paid to the Franchise Tax Board
(FTB).

A business that registers with the Secretary of State has completed the
necessary procedure to register for purposes of annual taxes payable to the FTB.
The Secretary of State communicates the registration of the business with the
Franchise Tax Board, which in turn sends the company the appropriate forms to
file annual taxes.

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not subject to a tax, but
the owner of a sole proprietorship and the partners of a general partnership pay
annual state taxes on their business income at the rate applicable to the owner or
partner.

Limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships must pay an annual


$800 tax if they conduct business in California, are organized in California, or
have registered with the Secretary of State. Tax on income derived from a limited
partnership or limited liability partnership is paid by the partner at the rate
applicable to the partner.

Limited liability companies classified as partnerships are subject to an $800


annual tax, plus a fee based on total income. LLCs classified as corporations
follow corporation rules to pay their annual state tax.

Corporations doing business in California are required to prepay their annual


franchise tax. Payments for the first taxable year are made to the Secretary of
State which in turn transmits the amount to the FTB; subsequent annual
payments of franchise tax are made to the FTB. The amount of tax payable to

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the FTB is measured by the income of the preceding income year derived from
business done in California, with an $800 minimum payment.

A recent law provides that every corporation incorporating or qualifying to do


business in California on or after January 1, 2000, will not be subject to the
minimum franchise tax for its first and second taxable years. This exemption from
the minimum franchise tax is not applicable to any corporation that reorganizes
solely for the purpose of avoiding payment of its minimum franchise tax.
Additionally, this new law applies only to corporations, and not any other form of
business.

The California Franchise Tax Board offers information on required taxes for each
type of business structure at: http://www.taxes.ca.gov/incbus.html.

The California Business Portal also offers tax information and links to key State
and federal agencies at http://www.calbusiness.ca.gov/cedpeybtii.asp.

Partnership tax details are explained in:

Form 565 Booklet – Partnership Tax Booklet


Franchise Tax Board
P.O. Box 942857
Sacramento, CA 94257-0500
Toll-free in the United States: (800) 852-5711
Tel: (916) 845-6500
Website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/03_forms/03_565bk.pdf

Limited liability company tax details are explained in:


Form 568 – California Limited Liability Company Tax Booklet
Website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/03_forms/03_568bk.pdf

Corporation tax details are explained in:

Guide for Corporations Starting Business in California (FTB publication 1060)


Franchise Tax Board
Website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/misc/1060.pdf

The Questions Taxpayers Ask Most Often


Franchise Tax Board
Website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/misc/1083.pdf

U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BUSINESS TAX INFORMATION

A business operating in the United States is also liable for federal corporate tax.
The company must register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The
EIN is used for filing federal income and payroll taxes, as well as withholding
income taxes for employees.

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The only business that does not need an EIN is a sole proprietor who has no
employees and who files no excise or pension tax returns. In this instance, the
sole proprietor uses his or her social security number instead of an EIN as the
taxpayer identification number. A sole proprietor who has employees and who
files excise or pension tax returns may have only one EIN regardless of how
many different businesses are owned.

To obtain an EIN, the business must complete an Application for Employer


Identification Number (Form SS-4), and for a business located in California, file it
with:
Internal Revenue Service
Entity Control
Fresno, CA 93888

A business may also apply for an EIN by telephone. Form SS-4 contains
instructions on how to file for an EIN by telephone. It may take four weeks to
receive an EIN by mail; however, an EIN can be assigned immediately when
applied for by telephone.

Additional information about the EIN or other IRS matters can be obtained from:

Internal Revenue Service


Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 829-4933
Telephone at Washington, D.C. headquarters: (202) 874-1460

Several publications on specific IRS tax topics for businesses and


corporations can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/index.html
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/index.html

For assistance internationally, contact an IRS Overseas Assistance Center at


one of the following locations:

City Address Phone/FAX


IRS
Tel: [49] (69) 7535-3834
U. S. Consulate Frankfurt
FAX: [49] (69) 7535-3803
Frankfurt Geissener Str. 30
M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed U.S. and
60435 Frankfurt am
German Holidays)
Main
Walk-In assistance Tuesday through
Internal Revenue Service
Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
United States Embassy
London Phone Service 9 a.m. to Noon.
24/31 Grosvenor Square
Monday through Friday
London W1A 1AE
Tel: [44] (207) 894-0476
United Kingdom
FAX: [44] (207) 495-4224

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Walk-In assistance 9:00 a.m.- noon


United States
Phone service: M-F 1:30 p.m. - 3:30
Embassy/IRS
p.m.
Paris 2 Avenue Gabriel
Tel. [33] (01) 4312-2555
75382 Paris Cedex 08,
Fax: [33] (01) 4312-2303
France

Taxpayers located outside the U.S. may also contact the IRS by mail at:
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 920
Bensalem, PA 19020

Or you may telephone or FAX the Philadelphia Service Center office at:
Tel: 215-516-2000 (not toll-free)
Fax: 215-516-2555

Residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands may contact the IRS toll
free at 1-800-829-1040.

International Taxpayer Advocate, Worldwide (Puerto Rico office):


Tel: (787) 622-8931
FAX: (787) 622-8933

Forms and References


Application for Employer Identification Number (Form SS-4)
Website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
Understanding your EIN
Website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/p1635.pdf

Residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands may contact the IRS toll
free at 1-800-829-1040.

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Part 3: Operating a Business

GETTING LOANS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

COMMERCIAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

The best chances for obtaining commercial loans are through in-country financial
institutions or their overseas branch offices or affiliates with which a business
already has an account and/or relationship. CalBIS does not provide guidance on
obtaining commercial loans; however, CalBIS can assist companies in identifying
California offices of foreign financial institutions.

VENTURE CAPITAL

The benefits, risks, sources and guides to obtaining venture capital are widely
documented. For starters, a great amount of information can be found at a local
bookstore about the possibilities, application processes, and publications that list
sources of venture capital. CalBIS does not provide guidance on obtaining
venture capital.

GOVERNMENT SOURCES

Several state-sponsored financial assistance programs are available to firms


locating, expanding or modernizing facilities in California. The types of assistance
available can be grouped into three broad categories:

• Business financing;
• Environmental loans; and,
• Public infrastructure financing.

Business financing is provided directly to companies in order to undertake


various projects. Each program has its own specific requirements for qualification
and terms for approval. Financing is available in the form of industrial
development bonds, small business loan guarantees and export finance loan
guarantees, among others.

Environmental loans reflect California’s commitment to the preservation of the


environment. The state has implemented various loan programs to help
companies clean up the environment and implement environmentally friendly
programs. The loan proceeds are used for such things as replacing or upgrading
underground petroleum tanks, reducing hazardous waste and recycling.

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Public infrastructure financing provides financial assistance to cities and


counties for public infrastructure projects. Although not directly available to
individual businesses, cities and counties can obtain public infrastructure
financing that benefits qualified businesses locating in their areas.

The California Business Portal provides links to a number of public and private
resources at: http://www.calbusiness.ca.gov/cedpgybfaind.asp.

Opening a Bank Account

To open a bank account in California, a company or individual might want to


consider opening an account at a bank in the home country that has affiliated
branches in California. Although new California accounts will most likely require
the same documentation whether affiliated with a foreign bank or not, having an
account at the same bank in the home country may facilitate the process of
opening an account in California.

To open a company bank account, the company must first register to conduct
business in California and obtain file-stamped copies of the registration papers
(see Part 2 of this document, Defining and Registering Business Entities). Once
registered, an authorized company representative would go to see a new
accounts officer at the bank where the company wishes to open an account.
Documents required to open an account for a firm include all three categories of
the following:

• Fictitious business name statement, where applicable (See Part 2 of this


document, Registering a Fictitious Business Name);
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) (See section 6 of this booklet,
Registering for Business Taxes, U.S. Federal Government); and,
• File-stamped copies plus copy certification from the Secretary of State
validating that the company is registered to conduct business in California.

Note: Certificates of Registration or Qualification may also be included.

To open an individual account in California, the new accounts officer will ask for a
taxpayer identification number. This will be either a Social Security Number
(SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). These can be
obtained free of charge from the Social Security Administration.

Lawfully admitted aliens with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)


permission to work in the United States will need a Social Security Number
(SSN). The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a new process for non-
citizens to apply for Social Security number (SSN) cards as part of the
immigration process. Now, people age 18 and older applying for immigrant visas

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with the U.S. Department of State can also apply for SSN cards at the same
time.

If the individual requested a Social Security number card as part of the visa
application and is age 18 or older when arrived in the United States, the
information needed to issue a card will be shared with the U.S. Department of
State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The individual does not
need to fill out a special application or go to a Social Security office. The Social
Security Administration will assign the individual a number and mail the Social
Security card to the U.S. mailing address where the Department of Homeland
Security will send the individual’s Permanent Resident card. The card should be
received within 3 weeks. If the individual does not receive it, and/or the mailing
address has changed, call the Social Security Administration. The Administration
will provide the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State
with the number assigned to that individual.

If the individual did not request a Social Security number card as part of the visa
application or is under age 18 when arriving in the United States, the individual
must apply for a card at a Social Security office and should call to find out where
to apply once a permanent address is established. When visiting a Social
Security office to apply for a Social Security card, the individual will need his or
her passport or travel document, Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), if
received, and a birth certificate for each family member applying for a number. A
Social Security representative will help the individual complete the application.

Complete instructions are available on the Social Security Administration’s


website at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnvisa/.

Those who do not meet the requirements to obtain a SSN may apply for an
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by completing the Application for
IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (Form W-7) and submitting it to
the nearest SSA office.

For additional information or to obtain or submit forms, consult the SSA:

Social Security Administration


Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 772-1213

Social Security Administration offices


Website listing: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp

Individuals living outside of the United States should check the list of offices for
the one to contact at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/index.html.

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Forms and References


Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
Website: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (Form W-7)
Website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf

SELLING MERCHANDISE

Under the Sales and Use Tax Law, the sale or use of tangible personal property
in California is subject to a statewide tax of 7.25 percent. This rate includes both
a state tax and a state-administered local sales and use taxes for cities and
counties. Several counties and cities also have special district taxes that are
applied in increments of .125 to .50 percent. Since a county or city may have
more than one special tax district, sales and use tax rates in California currently
range from 7.25 percent to 8.75 percent depending on the place of sale or use.

Sales and use taxes are overseen by the California Board of Equalization (BOE).
For a complete, current list of tax rates by county and city, businesses should
obtain a copy of BOE Pamphlet No. 71, California City and County Sales Use
Tax Rates. Copies are available from any BOE office listed at the end of this
section, or at the website: http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/pam71.htm.

NOTE: There is no federal sales tax, use tax or value-added tax.

Sales and use tax pertaining to interstate and foreign commerce is discussed in
the publication, Board of Equalization Sales and Use Tax Regulation No. 1620,
Interstate and Foreign Commerce, which can be obtained from the BOE or at the
website: http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/reg1620.pdf.

Detailed information about sales tax can be obtained from:

California Board of Equalization


Customer and Taxpayer Service
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279-0001
Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 400-7115
Tel: (916) 445-6464
Fax: (916) 322-2015
Website: http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/saletax.htm

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SELLER’S PERMIT

Businesses in California that sell tangible personal property in the state are liable
for the collection of sales tax and must apply to the Board of Equalization for a
seller’s permit for each location in the state. If a business changes ownership or
business locations, it must obtain a new permit.

To file for a seller’s permit – whether selling as retail or wholesale – the registrant
must complete an Application for a Seller’s Permit and Registration as a Retailer
(Form BOE-400-SPA). The registrant can file either by mail or in person. When
applicable, the BOE will forward a copy of the application to the California
Employment Development Department (EDD) to assist in the registration of the
employer for unemployment tax purposes.

Businesses using tangible personal property in California purchased for use in


the state, without the payment of sales tax, are liable for use tax. A company
would most commonly be subject to use tax on property that is purchased
outside California and used in the state, or inventory that is purchased without
tax and then converted to business or personal use. Generally, a business can
report use tax by reporting the purchase price of the property on line 2 of its sales
tax return. If a business does not need a sales tax permit, it must register for a
use tax permit if it incurs a use tax liability on a regular basis. To determine if a
business needs a use tax permit, a company representative should contact one
of the Board of Equalization offices listed at the end of this section.

There is no fee for obtaining a sales or use tax permit. However, the BOE may
require a security deposit for some corporations. Notification will be given
through a Notice of Security Requirements.

Details about seller’s permits may be obtained from the following:


Your California Seller’s Permit: Your Rights and Responsibilities
Under the Sales and Use Tax Law
California Board of Equalization
Customer and Taxpayer Service
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279-0001
Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 400-7115
Tel: (916) 445-6464
Fax: (916) 322-2015
Website: http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/sutprograms.htm

Forms and References


Application for a Seller’s Permit as a Retailer –
Individuals/Partnerships/Corporations/Organizations (BOE 400-SPA)
Website: http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/boe400spa.pdf

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Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS

PERMITS

A company seeking to establish a manufacturing facility in California will need to


obtain the appropriate government permits for the type and location of the
business.

A very handy website that provides businesses with general information on


permits and other requirements of California agencies at all levels of government
is the CalGold website: http://www.calgold.ca.gov.

PROTECTING CALIFORNIA’S ENVIRONMENT:


Land Use and Planning Obligations for Both Sellers and Manufacturers

Land use and planning in California is regulated by a set of environmental review


requirements. Any project that will potentially affect the environment engages
certain requirements stated in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The permit process is independent yet integral to the CEQA process. The
issuance of any permit must consider potential environmental consequences of
activities to be conducted under the requested permit. CEQA, in turn, addresses
those concerns in one document in which all permit agencies, the land use
decision agency, the project proponent, and the general public participate. The
document, typically an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), is the initial step upon
which subsequent permit decisions are based.

Although streamlined in recent years, the California permitting process can be


complex. Issuance of the permits indicates that the company agrees to build and
operate its facility in compliance with the federal, state and local building and
environmental laws. Many small, non-manufacturing facilities may not require a
significant permit process or an EIR.

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PART 4: ADMINISTERING EMPLOYEES

According the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an employee is “anyone who
performs services that can be controlled by an employer.” People who run their
business by themselves are not defined as employees, but are “self employed.”

There are specific federal, state and local requirements regarding equal
opportunity employment, employee safety and health protection, taxes and
insurance. These and other issues about administering employees are discussed
below.

COMPLYING WITH EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY LAWS

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS

Federal and state laws and regulations protect employee rights. Applicants to
and employees of most private employers, state and local governments,
educational institutions, employment agencies and labor organizations are
protected under the following federal laws:

Race, Color, Religion, Sex, National Origin


Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits discrimination in
hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification,
referral, and other aspects of employment, on the basis or race, color, religion,
sex or national origin.

Disability
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, protects qualified
applicants and employees with disabilities from discrimination in hiring,
promotion, discharge, pay, job training, fringe benefits, classification, referral, and
other aspects of employment on the basis of disability. The law also requires that
covered entities provide qualified applicants and employees with disabilities with
reasonable accommodations that do not impose undue hardship.

Age
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, protects
applicants and employees 40 years of age or older from discrimination on the
basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, terms, conditions or
privileges of employment.

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Sex (Wages)
In addition to sex discrimination prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (see
above), the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, prohibits sex discrimination in
payment of wages to women and men performing substantially equal work in the
same establishment.

Retaliation against a person who files a charge of discrimination, participates in


an investigation, or opposes an unlawful employment practice is prohibited by all
of these federal laws.

Other federal laws and regulations may apply to employers holding federal
contracts or subcontracts, or programs. Inquiries and requests for additional
information about federal discrimination laws should be addressed to:

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)


1801 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20507
Tel: (202) 663-4900
Website: http://www.eeoc.gov/

EEOC – San Francisco District Office


350 The Embarcadero, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94105-1260
Tel: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: (415) 356-5126

EEOC – Los Angeles District Office


Roybal Federal Building
255 East Temple St., 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: (213) 894-1118

Or, locate the nearest field office: http://www.eeoc.gov/offices.html

Harassment
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act of 1959 protects employees
against harassment or discrimination in employment because of sex, race, color,
religious creed, national origin, disability (mental and physical, including HIV and
AIDS), medical condition, age, marital status, as well as family, medical care or
pregnancy disability leave needs. Sexual harassment is defined as unsolicited
and unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal,
physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature that occurs and creates an
intimidating, hostile or otherwise offensive working environment.

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The law provides for administrative fines and for remedies for individuals, which
may include hiring, back pay, promotion, reinstatement, cease-and-desist order,
punitive damages, and damages for emotional distress.

Additional information about California harassment laws and related issues can
be obtained through:
Department of Fair Employment and Housing
1-800-884-1684 (Within California)
1-916-478-7200 (Outside California)
Website: http://www.dfeh.ca.gov

Additional information and guidelines on employee rights and other labor


management issues can be found by consulting the following source:
California Labor Law Digest Kit
California Chamber of Commerce
1215 K Street, Suite 1400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Toll-free telephone in the United States: (800) 331-8877
Tel: (916) 444-6670
Fax: (916) 444-6685
Labor Law Helpline: (916) 444-6670
Website: http://www.calbizcentral.com

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AND WRONGFUL TERMINATION

California’s Labor Code specifies that an employment relationship with no


specified duration is presumed to be employment “at-will.” This means, at least in
theory, that the employer or employee may terminate the employment
relationship at any time, with or without cause. There are exceptions to the at-will
rule created by statute, the courts or public policy.

Statutory exceptions include terminating an employee for reasons based on the


discrimination laws discussed above; for participating in union activity; for
refusing to carry out an activity that violates the law.

Court cases that involve claims for wrongful termination in violation of public
policy often arise when an employee refuses the sexual advances of a
supervisor, reports the employer to health and safety officials, or makes a wage
claim to the California Labor Commissioner.

An employer can limit exposure to wrongful discharge liability in several ways,


mostly by using at-will language in all written and verbal communications with
employees. This extends from job announcements and interviews to employee
handbooks, training seminars and employee reviews. It is also advised to avoid
references in all situations that indicate job security or permanence.

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Additional information and guidelines on at-will employment and other labor


management issues can be found by consulting the following sources:

California Labor Law Digest


California Chamber of Commerce
(See contact information above.)
Website: http://www.calbizcentral.com

Division of Labor Standards Enforcement District Offices:

Bakersfield Sacramento Santa Ana


(661) 395-2710 (916) 263-1811 (714) 558-4910
Eureka Salinas Santa Barbara
(707) 446-6613 (831) 443-3041 (805) 568-1222
Fresno San Bernardino Santa Rosa
(559) 244-5340 (909) 383-4334 (707) 576-2362
Long Beach San Diego Stockton
(562) 590-5048 (619) 220-5451 (209) 948-7770
Los Angeles San Francisco Van Nuys
(213) 620-6330 (415) 703-5300 (818) 901-5315
Oakland San Francisco HdQtrs.
(510) 622-3273 (415) 703-4810
Redding San Jose
(530) 225-2655 (408) 277-1266

EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROTECTION

California law provides job safety and health protection for workers under the
Cal/OSHA program, sponsored by the California Department of Industrial
Relations (DIR) and the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). All
employers and employees must comply with the rules and regulations enforced
by DOSH/DIR to ensure work and workplaces are safe and healthful. Special
rules apply in work that involves hazardous substances.

Information about the Cal/OSHA program can be found at website:


http://www.dir.ca.gov/occupational_safety.html

Companies should contact one of the DOSH district offices for details of the
Cal/OSHA rules and regulations that apply to the specific business:
Division of Occupational Safety and Health
Cal/OSHA
(800) 963-9424
e-mail: info@dir.ca.gov

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Headquarters
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1901
Oakland, CA 94612
Tel: (510) 286-7000
Fax: (510) 286-7038

Cal/OSHA Enforcement District Offices


Concord Foster City Fremont
(925) 602-6517 (650) 573-3812 510-794-2521
Fresno Los Angeles Modesto
(559) 445-5302 (213) 576-7451 (209) 576-6260
Monrovia Oakland Redding (field office)
(626) 256-7913 (510) 622-2916 (530) 224-4743
Sacramento San Bernardino San Diego
(916) 263-2800 (909) 383-4321 (619) 767-2280
San Francisco Santa Ana Santa Rosa
(415) 972-8670 (714) 558-4451 (707) 576-2388
Torrance Van Nuys Ventura (field office)
(310) 516-3734 (818) 901-5403 (805) 654-4581
West Covina
(626) 472-0046

Consultation Service
Toll-free telephone within California: (800) 963-9424
e-mail: infocons@dir.ca.gov
Consultation Service Offices
Northern California San Francisco Bay Area Central Valley
(916) 263-0704 (510) 622-2891 (559) 454-1295
Los Angeles San Fernando Valley San Bernardino, Orange
(562) 944-9366 (818) 901-5754 (909) 383-4567
San Diego
(619) 767-2060

Or, find the consultation office nearest you at website:


http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/consultation_offices.html

Other Division of Occupational Safety and Health Offices:

Process Safety Management Unit

Torrance Office Concord Office


Phone (310) 217-6902 Phone (925) 602-2665
FAX (310) 217-6969 FAX (925) 602-2668

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Mining and Tunneling Unit

Sacramento Office Van Nuys Office


Phone (916) 574-2540 Phone (818) 901-5420
FAX (916) 574-2542 FAX (818) 901-5579

San Bernardino Office


Phone (909) 383-6782
FAX (909) 388-7132

High Hazard Compliance Unit

Santa Ana Office Oakland Office


Phone (714) 567-7100 Phone (510) 622-3009
FAX (714) 567-6074 FAX (510) 622-3025

Additional information and guidelines on employee safety and health protection


and other labor management issues can be found in the following source:

California Labor Law Digest Kit


California Chamber of Commerce
1215 K Street, Suite 1400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 331-8877
Tel: (916) 444-6670; Fax: (916) 444-6685
Labor Law Helpline: (916) 444-6670
Website: http://www.calchamber.com/Store/

PROVIDING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

With the exception of wages and salaries, employee benefits are the primary
tools by which employers attract and retain qualified personnel for their
organizations. Most employers voluntarily provide a variety of benefit packages.
Reasons for providing such benefits range from a desire to be competitive in the
relevant labor market to a genuine concern for their employees’ welfare.

Vacation, holidays, sick leave, medical, dental and vision coverage, and
retirement benefits are not required by law. If such benefits are offered, the
employer may choose to pay all, part or none of the costs. Once the benefits are
offered, however, law regulates how the employer must apply them. The
following highlights some of the key issues of each benefit.

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VACATION

The employer has the right to set the amount of vacation employees will earn
each year, or if they will earn any at all. Employers also have the right to
determine when vacations may be taken, and for how long. It is critical that
vacation policies be clear about how much vacation is offered, the rate of
accrual, and whether accrual begins immediately or after some period of time.

If an employer chooses to offer paid vacations to employees, the California Labor


Commissioner has set forth certain rules by which the employer must abide
concerning vacation benefits. Information about these rules is available on the
website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_Vacation.htm.

For more information, visit the California Labor Commissioner’s website:


http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/.

Written inquiries should be addressed to:

California Labor Commissioner


455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 3149
San Francisco, CA 94102

HOLIDAY

Employers are not required to offer employees time off for holidays, nor are
employers required to pay for time for holidays granted. Accommodation of
religious holidays may be required in certain circumstances (see Complying with
Equal Employment Opportunity Laws). It is wise to set forth at the beginning of
each year which, if any, holidays will be granted and whether they will be paid.

The most commonly granted holidays in California are:

New Year’s Day – January 1


Easter Sunday – varies, March 21 to April 20
Memorial Day – May 31, observed on the last Monday in May
Independence Day – July 4
Labor Day – first Monday in September
Veterans Day – November 11
Thanksgiving – fourth Thursday in November
Christmas – December 25

Employers should set forth a holiday policy explaining what will happen if an
employee is required to work on a day which the employer has designated as a
paid holiday. The common procedure is to grant another day off or pay one and
one-half to two times the employee’s normal rate on the holiday.

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Employers should establish a policy for the situation where a holiday falls on a
day that is the employee’s usual “day off.” If it is company policy to give that
holiday as a paid day, and all other employees are being paid for that holiday,
then the employee in question also should be paid for the holiday unless the
policy clearly states otherwise.

When an employee quits or is terminated, there is no entitlement to pay for any


future holiday that has not yet occurred.

PERSONAL DAYS AND/OR FLOATING HOLIDAYS

Some employers elect to grant holidays that employees may take for specific
events, such as a birthday or anniversary, or at any time not associated with a
specific event. The way an employer’s policy defines personal days or floating
holidays is critical to the issue of whether unused days must be paid out at the
end of the employment relationship. Time off which is tied to a specific event is
treated as a holiday and need not be paid out at termination. Time off which is
not tied to a specific event must be treated the same as vacation time, which
accrues and vests, and therefore must be paid out at termination.

SICK LEAVE

Most California employees participate in the State Disability Insurance Plan


(SDI), which they pay through payroll deduction. In addition to the mandated SDI
benefits, the employer is not required by law to offer paid sick leave to
employees; however, many employers offer paid days off to employees for use
when they are ill.

Unlike vacation days, sick leave does not accrue or vest. Therefore, any unused
sick leave may be forfeited at the end of a designated period of time, and sick
leave does not need to be paid out upon termination of the employment
relationship.

Additional information about SDI can be obtained from:


California Employment Development Department
Website: http://www.edd.ca.gov/direp/diind.htm
Toll-free, statewide, inside California: (800) 480-3287
Toll-free, worldwide, outside California: (800) 250-3913

PAID TIME OFF

Some employers combine vacation, sick leave, personal days and/or floating
holidays into one benefit called Paid Time Off (PTO). This allows employees a

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certain number of days off per year to use for illness, vacation, holidays, and
personal needs.

While PTO is an acceptable benefit, employers are warned that the Labor
Commissioner will consider the entire sum of PTO to be vacation. Therefore, the
entire amount of accrued but unused PTO granted to employees must be paid
out at the termination of the employment relationship.

MEDICAL, DENTAL AND VISION

The law does not require employers to provide health insurance coverage for
employees. Employers may choose to pay for all, part or none of such insurance.

Employers who do offer health insurance benefits will find that group plans are
always less expensive than individual plans. The employer may have a standard
plan for all employees or may offer each employee the same amount of dollar
benefits and permit the employee to select desired benefits from a “menu” of
options offered by the insuring company. For all plans, all employees must be
treated equally; however, an employer may offer different insurance plans to
different groups of employees, such as production versus managerial employees,
so long as that distinction is not based on any “protected class” considerations.
An employer may also establish a weekly work hour threshold concerning
eligibility for such benefits. Finally, an employer is required to give employees a
minimum of 15 days’ notice before making any change in the level or
composition of health insurance benefits.

A listing of licensed health care, dental and vision plans can be obtained from the
California Department of Managed Health Care’s Internet website, or by
contacting one of its two offices:

California Department of Managed Health Care


980 9th Street, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814-2725
Tel: (888) HMO-2219
Fax: (916) 229-0465
Website: http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov/
Online HMO Help Center Contact Form
http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov/contact/hmohelp/

RETIREMENT

The law does not require an employer to offer its employees a retirement
program, although many employers offer such benefits. If a retirement plan is
offered, it must be fully disclosed and offered to all employees. The terms of the
retirement program are enforceable in California courts. Retirement plans can be

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financed entirely by the employer through profit sharing or periodic contributions;


plans also may be financed through employer and employee matching funds or
by many other means. Periodic accounting should be made to employees or as
reported by the retirement fund’s management.

ESTABLISHING WAGES AND HOURS

Employers in California are subject to labor laws from many sources, both state
and federal. When these laws conflict, there often is no easy answer to the issue
of which one will prevail. In general, the law that is most restrictive to the
employer and most generous to the employee must be followed.

SOURCES OF CALIFORNIA LABOR LAW

The following are but a few of the sources of California labor law:
• California’s Labor Code
• California’s Government Code (Fair Employment and Housing Act)
• Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Orders
• Department of Labor Standards Enforcement Interpretive Bulletins
• California Code of Regulations

SOURCES OF FEDERAL LABOR LAW

In addition, California employers must comply with federal law, which often
conflicts with state law or is more or less restrictive. In general, California’s wage
and hour laws are more restrictive than federal laws, though there are some
exceptions.

The following are some of the sources of federal labor law:

• Fair Labor Standards Act


• Davis-Bacon Act (prevailing wage)
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Immigration and Naturalization Act
• Family and Medical Leave Act

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), enacted in 1938, is by far the most
important federal law affecting wages and hours with which employers should be
familiar. The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping and
child labor standards.

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The FLSA requires employers to:


• Pay at least the current minimum wage to all covered and nonexempt
employees for all hours worked;
• Pay at least one and one-half times the regular rate of pay of all
covered and nonexempt employees for all hours worked over 40 in the
work week (in California, also pay at least one and one-half times the
regular rate of pay of all covered and nonexempt employees for all
hours worked over eight (8) hours per day);
• Comply with FLSA child labor standards; and,
• Comply with FLSA record keeping requirements.

There are a number of employment practices that FLSA does not regulate,
including:
• Vacation, holiday, severance or sick pay;
• Meal or rest periods;
• Premium pay for weekend or holiday work;
• Pay raises or fringe benefits; and,
• A discharge notice, reason for discharge, or immediate payment of
final wages to terminated employees.

These and other matters are for agreement between the employer and the
employees or their authorized representatives, or are covered by state law. All
employers subject to the act must comply with its provisions as well as any more
stringent California laws on the same subject.

Inquiries and requests for additional information on wages, hours and the FLSA
should be addressed to any of the California-based, U.S. Department of Labor
district offices:

U.S. Department of Labor


Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division
Website: http://www.dol.gov/esa/
East Los Angeles District Office
Tel: (626) 966-0478; (626) 966-8679; Fax: (626) 966-5539
Los Angeles District Office
Tel: (818) 240-5274; (213) 894-6375; Fax: (213) 894-6845
Sacramento District Office
Tel: (916) 978-6120; Fax: (916) 978-6125
San Diego District Office
Tel: (619) 557-5606; Fax: (619) 557-6375
San Francisco District Office
Tel: (415) 744-5590; Fax: (415) 744-5088

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Additional information on wages and hours as well as other labor management


issues can be found by consulting the following sources:

Employer’s Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act leads an employer


through the maze of regulations and case law to proper compliance with
the law. Order information can be obtained from:
Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 964-5815
Telephone outside of the United States: (813) 282-8807
Website: http://www.thompson.com/libraries/wagehour/wage/index.html

California Labor Law Digest Kit


California Chamber of Commerce
1215 K Street, Suite 1400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 331-8877
Tel: (916) 444-6670; Fax: (916) 444-6685
Labor Law Helpline: (916) 444-6670
Website: http://www.calchamber.com/Store/

WAGE RATES

The Industrial Welfare Commission regulates wages and hours of non-exempt


employees in California through wage orders. Each of the 17 wage orders is
specific to the industry or occupation it covers. Within each wage order, an
employer will find regulations on such things as:
• Hours and days of work
• Minimum wages
• Reporting time paid
• Licenses for disabled workers
• Record retention
• Cash shortage and breakage
• Meals and lodging
• Meal periods
• Rest periods

The 17 wage orders include details for the following industries and occupations:
1) Manufacturing
2) Personal Services
3) Canning, freezing and preserving
4) Professional, technical, clerical, mechanical and similar occupations
5) Public housekeeping
6) Laundry, linen supply, dry cleaning and dyeing
7) Mercantile

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8) Industries handling products after harvest


9) Transportation
10) Amusement and recreation
11) Broadcasting
12) Motion picture
13) Industries preparing agricultural products for market, on the farm
14) Agricultural operations
15) Household services
16) Certain On-Site Occupations in the Construction, Drilling, Logging and
Mining Industries
17) Miscellaneous Employees

More information on each wage order may be obtained through the Department’s
website at: http://www.dir.ca.gov/IWC/WageOrderIndustries.htm.

Wage order postings for any of the industries and occupations listed above may
be obtained free of charge through the Department of Industrial Relations
website at: http://www.dir.ca.gov/WP.asp.

If you need more than five copies of any posting, or have questions about
required postings, contact the Department by e-mail, phone or fax at:
Department of Industrial Relations
Tel: (415) 703-5070; Fax: (415) 703-5074
E-mail: Posting@dir.ca.gov

FILING EMPLOYMENT TAXES

According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an employee is defined as


“anyone who performs services that can be controlled by an employer.”
Employers are responsible for regularly filing employees’ withheld state and
federal income taxes and payroll taxes.

Because of the complex nature of income and payroll taxes, it is recommended


that a business consult with or retain the services of a certified public accountant
or accounting firm. Accountants and accounting firms can be located in the
telephone directory Yellow Pages under “accountants.”
State and federal requirements for employee income tax withholding and payroll
tax payment are outlined below.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Companies with employees must register with the California Employment


Development Department (EDD) for state income tax withholding and
employment taxes.

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Different rules apply to various types of employers in determining when each


becomes “subject” to the employment tax laws of California. Generally, a
business becomes a “subject employer” upon paying wages in excess of $100 in
a calendar quarter to one or more employees within the current or preceding
calendar year. Once subject, an employer must report for the current and
subsequent years regardless of the amount of wages paid.

An employer is required to register with EDD within 15 calendar days after paying
more than $100 in wages for employment in a calendar quarter, or whenever a
change in ownership occurs.

An employer may download a registration form online at


http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/taxform.htm#Forms. Or, the employer may call
(916) 654-7041 or visit the nearest Employment Tax Office to get a registration
form. A list of offices is available on EDD’s website at
http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/taxloc.htm#taxloc.

The form may also be ordered on EDD’s Internet Order Form at


http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/taxordn2.htm. Select the registration form for your
type of business.

The completed registration form may be mailed or faxed to the address or fax
number below, also listed at the top of the registration form. If the employer’s
payroll service requires an employer account number in order to process payroll,
call EDD’s Tele-Reg at (916) 654-8706.

Employment Development Department


Account Services Group, MIC 28
PO Box 826880
Sacramento CA 94280-0001
Fax (916) 654-9211

The federal Employment Identification Number (EIN – See Registering for


Business Taxes, U.S. Federal Government) should be included on the DE 1
registration form so unemployment insurance tax credits will be properly applied.

When the employer registers with EDD, the company will be assigned an eight-
digit account number. This number will be used on all reporting forms sent to the
company and on all notices relating to former employees. The employer should
provide the number to any bank or payroll service that may prepare the
company’s tax forms.

NOTE: There are six different DE 1 registration forms.


Non-profit employers, governmental organizations, and employers of agricultural
or household workers may be required to complete a specific DE 1 form. Such

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businesses should check with EDD regarding which form is the appropriate one
for the business.

Below are the state taxes that employers must withhold or pay:

Income tax
EMPLOYEE PAYS; EMPLOYER WITHHOLDS. State income tax is the
responsibility of the employee; however, the employer withholds the tax and pays
it to the California Franchise Tax Board on behalf of the employee.

State income tax is based on the “adjusted gross income” reported – the income
amount remaining after various deductions are taken, determined according to
individual circumstances. State income taxes are assessed at graduated rates on
the “adjusted gross income.”

State Disability Insurance


EMPLOYEE PAYS; EMPLOYER WITHHOLDS. The State Disability Insurance
(SDI) program provides benefits to eligible workers experiencing a loss of wages
when they are unable to perform their regular or customary work due to a non-
occupational illness or injury, or disability resulting from pregnancy or childbirth.
SDI is funded entirely by employees through withheld wages and paid to either
the SDI fund or a voluntary plan for disability insurance.

State Unemployment Insurance


EMPLOYER PAYS. The purpose of the State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
program is to provide financial assistance to people who are temporarily out of
work through no fault of their own. In California, this program is financed entirely
by employers through a payroll tax based on the first $7,000 in wages paid to
each employee each year. Employers are required to pay their accumulated SUI
taxes four times a year. Rates are adjusted according to the employer’s
experience of unemployment claims. Generally, the more there is employee
turnover, the higher the employer’s unemployment insurance rate will be.

Employment Training Tax


EMPLOYER PAYS. In 1982, the California State Legislature created the
Employment Training Panel (ETP) as a cooperative business labor program to
provide employers with skilled workers and provide workers with good, long-term
jobs. The Legislature also established the Employment Training Tax (ETT). All
tax-rated employers, including new employers, are subject to ETT which is used
to fund the ETP’s program and training contracts. All employers are assessed a
small percent (0.1% or .001) of the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages.

State employment tax rates, allowances and withholding schedules are available on
the Internet at the website: http://www.edd.cahwnet.gov/employer.htm.

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For information or advice about state income tax withholding and payroll tax
payment, or about employment tax seminars for employers, contact one of the
following:
EDD Payroll Tax Assistance
Phone: 1-888-745-3886 within the United States and Canada
Phone: (916) 464-3502 outside the US and Canada
FAX: (916) 464-3504

EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center


P.O. Box 2068
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-2068

Employment Tax Offices:

Type of Office:
1
These offices–Taxpayer Service Centers–are located with Franchise Tax Board to
offer in-person one-stop tax service.
2
These locations offer in-person employment tax service.
3
These locations have no open counter, but forms and a lobby telephone are
available.

CITY ADDRESS
Anaheim2 2099 S. State College Blvd., Suite 401
Anaheim, CA 92806
Bakersfield3 1800 30th Street, Suite 390
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Capitola3 2045 40th Avenue, Suite A
Capitola, CA 95010
Chico3 240 West 7th Street
Chico, CA 95928
El Centro3 1550 West Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
Escondido2 240 West 2nd Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
Eureka3 409 "K" Street, Suite 202
Eureka, CA 95501
Fresno2 1050 "O" Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Los Angeles2 4021 Rosewood Avenue, Suite 301
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Modesto3 3340 Tully Road, Suite E-10
Modesto, CA 95350

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Monterey3 480 Webster Street, Suite 150


Monterey, CA 93940
Oakland2 7700 Edgewater Drive, Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94621
Redding2 1255 Shasta Street
Redding, CA 96001
Riverside3 1180 Palmyrita Avenue, Suite B
Riverside, CA 92507
Sacramento1 3321 Power Inn Road, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95826
San Bernardino2 464 West 4th Street, Suite 454A
San Bernardino, CA 92401
San Diego2 3110 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92108
San Francisco3 745 Franklin Street, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94102
San Jose2 906 Ruff Drive
San Jose, CA 95110
San Luis Obispo3 3196 South Higuera Street, Suite C
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Santa Fe Springs2 10330 Pioneer Boulevard, Suite 150
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Santa Monica3 914 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Rosa3 50 "D" Street, Room 415
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Vallejo3 1440 Marin Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
Van Nuys2 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Room 210
Van Nuys, CA 91401
Ventura3 4820 McGrath Street, Suite 250
Ventura, CA 93003

Forms and References


Registration Form for Commercial Employers (DE 1)
Website: http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/de1.pdf

Details about state employment taxes can be found in the following source:
California Employer’s Guide
Download from the Internet at: http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/de44.pdf;
Order online at: http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/taxordn2.htm; or,
Obtain a hard copy from an Employment Tax Office (listed above).

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State employment tax rates, allowances and withholding schedules are available on
the Internet at the website: http://www.edd.cahwnet.gov/employer.htm.

U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

When an employer registers with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an
Employer Identification Number (EIN), this informs the federal government that
the business may have employees. The business is responsible for regularly
depositing employees’ withheld federal income tax and payroll taxes with the
IRS. The filing schedule varies, depending on the composition of the business
and the amount of tax liability. Below are the federal taxes that the employer
must withhold or pay:

INCOME TAX

EMPLOYER WITHHOLDS; EMPLOYEE PAYS. Although payment of federal


income tax is them responsibility of the employee, the employer withholds the tax
and submits it to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of the
employee.

Federal income tax is based on “adjusted gross income” – the income amount
remaining after various deductions are taken, determined according to individual
circumstances.

Federal income taxes are assessed at graduated rates on the “adjusted gross
income.” Tax liabilities are published on IRS tax tables, which are available on
the Internet and in the IRS publication Circular E, Employer’s Tax Guide,
referenced below.

Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA)


EMPLOYER PAYS. The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), along with the
state unemployment systems, provides for payments of unemployment
compensation to workers who have lost their jobs. Only the employer pays FUTA
tax; it is not deducted from the employee’s wages.

Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)


EMPLOYER WITHHOLDS AND EMPLOYER MATCHES. The Federal Insurance
Contributions Act (FICA) consists of both Social Security (retirement) payroll tax
and Medicare (hospital insurance) tax.

Employers withhold the Social Security and Medicare taxes for the employee;
employers also make matching tax payments of the same amounts to the IRS.
Social Security tax applies to wages up to a maximum wage base; Medicare tax
applies to all wages with no maximum wage base.

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More information is available on the IRS website at:


http://www.irs.gov/businesses/index.html.
For additional information about federal income tax withholding and payroll tax
payment, consult:
Circular E, Employer’s Tax Guide
Internal Revenue Service
Western Area Distribution Center
Rancho Cordova, CA 95743-0001
Website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15.pdf

The IRS Taxpayer Education Offices offer Small Business Workshops


periodically throughout California on how to prepare payroll taxes. For workshop
schedules, visit http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99033,00.html.

For other IRS business tax questions, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-
4933 (within the United States). IRS publications are available on the Internet at:
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html.

Federal tax rates and taxable wage limits are subject to change each
year. For current rates or other information about withholding federal
income tax or paying payroll taxes, consult with the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS).

For assistance internationally:


IRS Overseas Assistance Centers

City Address Phone/FAX


IRS
Tel: [49] (69) 7535-3834
U. S. Consulate Frankfurt
FAX: [49] (69) 7535-3803
Frankfurt Geissener Str. 30
M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed U.S. and
60435 Frankfurt am
German Holidays)
Main
Walk-In assistance Tuesday through
Internal Revenue Service
Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
United States Embassy
London Phone Service 9 a.m. to Noon.
24/31 Grosvenor Square
Monday through Friday
London W1A 1AE
Tel: [44] (207) 894-0476
United Kingdom
FAX: [44] (207) 495-4224
Walk-In assistance 9:00 a.m.- noon
United States
Phone service: M-F 1:30 p.m. - 3:30
Embassy/IRS
p.m.
Paris 2 Avenue Gabriel
Tel. [33] (01) 4312-2555
75382 Paris Cedex 08,
Fax: [33] (01) 4312-2303
France

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Taxpayers located outside the U.S. may also contact the IRS by mail at:

Internal Revenue Service


P.O. Box 920
Bensalem, PA 19020

Or you may telephone or FAX the Philadelphia Service Center office at:
Tel: 215-516-2000 (not toll-free)
Fax: 215-516-2555

International Taxpayer Advocate, Worldwide (Puerto Rico office):


Tel: (787) 622-8931
FAX: (787) 622-8933

OBTAINING WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE

Workers’ compensation is the oldest social insurance program in the United


States; programs vary from state to state. Workers’ compensation insurance
became mandatory for California employers in 1913.

California Labor Code requires all employers (with at least one employee) to
carry workers’ compensation insurance. It is a no-fault system, meaning that
injured employees need not prove the injury was someone else’s fault in order to
receive workers’ compensation benefits for an on-the-job injury.

The workers’ compensation system is premised on a trade-off between


employees and employers – employees are supposed to promptly receive the
limited statutory workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries, and in
return, the limited workers’ compensation benefits are the exclusive remedy for
injured employees against their employer, even when the employer negligently
caused the injury. This no-fault structure was designed to – and in fact did –
eliminate the then-prevalent litigation over whether employers were negligent in
causing workers’ injuries.

There are three basic parts to the workers’ compensation system:

• Benefit structure
• Benefit delivery
• Benefit financing

The Benefit Structure


The benefit structure defines what injured workers are entitled to receive when
they sustain an injury “arising out of” and in the course of their employment.
There are five basic types of workers’ compensation benefits available,

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depending on the nature and severity of the worker’s injury: (1) medical care; (2)
temporary disability benefits; (3) permanent disability benefits; (4) vocational
rehabilitation services; and, (5) death benefits.

The Benefit Delivery System


Unlike most social insurance programs (e.g., social security and unemployment
compensation), workers’ compensation in California, as well as in most other
states, is not administered by a government agency. Workers’ compensation
benefits are administered primarily by private parties – insurance companies
authorized to transact workers’ compensation and those employers secure
enough to be permitted to self-insure their workers’ compensation liability.

When an employer becomes aware of an on-the-job injury, the employer is


expected to begin the process of providing the injured worker the benefits to
which he or she is entitled under the law. Either the employer (if the employer is
authorized to self-insure) or the employer’s insurer pays the benefits.
The state’s role in benefit delivery is to oversee the provision of workers’
compensation benefits, provide information and assistance to employees,
employers, and others involved in the system, and to resolve disputes that arise
in the process.

The Benefit Financing System


Employers may finance their liability for workers’ compensation benefits by one
of three methods: (1) self-insurance; (2) private insurance; or, (3) state
insurance.

Self-insurance: Most large, stable employers and most government agencies


are self-insured for workers’ compensation. To become self-insured, employers
must obtain a certificate from the Department of Industrial Relations. Private
employers must post security as a condition of receiving a certificate of consent
to self-insure, and must submit to self-insurance plan audits.

For additional informational about self-insurance plans and obtaining a self-


insurance certificate, contact:

Office of Self Insurance Plans


Department of Industrial Relations
2265 Watt Avenue, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95825
Tel: (916) 574-0300
Website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/sip

Private Insurance: Employers may purchase insurance from any of the


approximately 300 private insurance companies which are licensed by the
Department of Insurance to transact workers’ compensation insurance in
California. Insurance companies are free to price this insurance at a level they

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deem appropriate for the insurance and services provided. Rate comparison
information is available at: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0100-consumers/0010-
buying-insurance/0080-compare-premiums/0010-workers-comp-rate-
comp/index.cfm.

State Insurance: Employers may also purchase insurance from the State
Compensation Insurance Fund, a state-operated entity that exists solely to
transact workers’ compensation insurance on a non-profit basis. It actively
competes with private insurers for business, and it also effectively operates as
the assigned risk pool for workers' compensation insurance.

For details about workers’ compensation and California labor law, and access to
the California Labor Code, contact:
Division of Workers’ Compensation
California Department of Industrial Relations
1515 Clay Street, 17th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Tel: (510) 286-7100; Recorded information: 1-800-736-7401
Website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/dwc_home_page.htm

Or, contact one of the Division of Worker’s Compensation Offices below:

Anaheim Oxnard San Francisco


(714) 738-4000 (805) 485-2533 (415) 703-5011
Bakersfield Pomona San Jose
(661) 395-2723 (909) 623-4301 (408) 277-1246
Eureka Redding Santa Ana
(707) 445-6518 (530) 225-2845 (714) 558-4121
Fresno Riverside Santa Monica
(559) 445-5051 (951) 782-4269 (310) 452-9114
Goleta Sacramento Santa Rosa
(805) 968-0258 (916) 263-2735 (707) 576-2391
Grover Beach Salinas Stockton
(805) 481-4912 (831) 443-3060 (209) 948-7759
Long Beach San Bernardino Van Nuys
(562) 590-5001 (909) 383-4341 818-901-5367 ext. 3501
Los Angeles San Diego
(213) 576-7335 (619) 767-2083

Other Department of Industrial Relations Offices:

Division of Apprentice Office Locations:

San Francisco Headquarters Sacramento Santa Ana


(415) 703-4920 (916) 263-2877 (714) 558-4123

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San Francisco District Office San Diego Los Angeles


(415) 703-1128 (619) 767-2045 (213) 576-7750

Fresno San Jose


(559) 445-5431 (408) 277-1273

State Mediation Office Locations:

Northern California
1515 Clay Street, Suite 2206
Oakland , California 94612
Phone: (510) 873-6465
Fax: (510) 873-6475
smcsinfo@dir.ca.gov

Central Valley
Phone: (510) 873-6465
Fax: (510) 873-6475
smcsinfo@dir.ca.gov

Southern California
Phone: (510) 873-6465
Fax: (510) 873-6475
smcsinfo@dir.ca.gov

Division of Labor and Statistics: (415) 703-4780

FINDING EMPLOYEES

There are several avenues by which a company can promote job openings and
seek qualified candidates. These include:

• Local and national newspaper and business publication classified


advertisements;
• College and university career development centers; and,
• Industry and trade associations

Additionally, private employment agencies provide clerical and secretarial,


bookkeeping and accounting, skilled and unskilled labor, assembly, light
industrial and warehousing, and even medical workers for temporary or
permanent service. Employment agencies are listed in the telephone Yellow
Pages under “employment.”

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The California Employment Development Department (EDD) also provides


employment referral and recruitment services.

CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

CalJOBSSM

Through CalJOBSSM, http://www.caljobs.ca.gov/, the EDD Job Service offers an


Internet-based network that links employers with job seekers in California and
nationwide.

EDD Job Service’s primary mission of meeting employers’ workforce needs is


largely accomplished through CalJOBSSM. Job Service also provides employers
with other services to meet workforce needs:

• Re-employment services for dislocated workers.


• Labor market information for planning business expansion,
relocation, and future hiring.
• Focused recruitment for new business ventures or facilities needing
a large number of specialized workers in a hurry.
• Coordinated workforce preparation services in partnership with
local employment and training agencies.

Listing Job Openings


California employers with Internet access can enter their job listings directly into
the CalJOBSSM website; otherwise, job announcements can be phoned or faxed
in to an EDD Job Service location. Job Service staff at locations closest to the
work site will be familiar with local economic conditions.
Employers can have their jobs listed publicly, enabling qualified job seekers to
view the job information and apply directly to the company. Employers may also
request EDD’s assistance in screening suitable employees from the CalJOBS
database.

For more information on CalJOBSSM:

Employment Development Department/CalJOBSSM


http://www.caljobs.ca.gov/
Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 758-0398

For additional information on EDD’s Job Service, visit their web site at:
http://www.edd.ca.gov/jsrep/jses.htm, or contact one of the many local offices
listed on the Internet at: http://www.edd.ca.gov/jsrep/jsloc.htm.
To access other information and services for employers, visit the EDD website
for employers at: http://www.edd.cahwnet.gov/employer.htm.

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CALIFORNIA'S ONE-STOP CAREER CENTERS

California's One-Stop Career Centers help businesses with recruiting employees,


from help with drafting duty statements and job announcements to screening
applicants. They can also connect businesses with training resources for
employees. Since the centers also help job seekers with job training and
placement services, they are an effective connection between businesses and
the local workforce.

More information is available online, with links to local centers, at:


http://www.edd.ca.gov/one-stop/pic.htm.

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Part 5: Physically Setting Up an Office or Facility

LOCATING AN OFFICE OR FACILITY

Property leasing agreements can be as variable as the property locations. Sites


can be found for short periods to very long periods of time, with anywhere from
ready-to-occupy facilities to build-to-suit arrangements.

In the United States, there is generally no limitation on foreign companies


purchasing and owning real estate.

Locating site options for an office, manufacturing, research and development, or


distribution facility is one of the key services provided by CalBIS. CalBIS stands
ready to work with local economic development corporations and real estate
professionals to assist a foreign business in finding the appropriate location for a
California expansion.

For site location assistance, contact:


CalBIS
801 K Street, Suite 2100
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 322-0000; Fax: (916) 322-0614
e-mail: CalBIS@labor.ca.gov
Website: http://www.labor.ca.gov/CalBIS

Business Incubators
Small, start-up companies that need limited office space for only a few months to
initiate their businesses may do well to participate in one of the business
incubator programs. There are a growing number of business incubators
throughout California sponsored by various entities, such as universities, cities or
counties, ethnic or industry associations, or private companies.

The business incubator is a cost-effective way for companies to find space to


start their businesses. A few incubators are solely international in focus, while
most of the others welcome domestic and international businesses. Incubator
facilities can vary, but generally they offer an individual office, cubical or at least
a desk for the businessperson, plus communal communication and business
services. The incubator offers other benefits to a newly formed business. Within
the organization are advisors and/or mentors who can guide a business person
on legal, financing, banking, and personnel matters.

For information on business incubators around California, contact a local Small


Business Development Center. A list of local centers is available at:
http://www.calbusiness.ca.gov/cedpgybsbdc.asp.

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ACQUIRING OFFICE MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT


Office furnishings can be rented or bought through businesses that deal primarily
with office occupants. These companies are easy to locate through local
telephone Yellow Pages under “office furniture and equipment, dealers or rental.”
Companies that sell telephone and computer systems, copy, fax and mail
machines and other technical equipment can also be located through the Yellow
Pages. Companies selling other office supplies such as pens, paper, tape and
staples can be found through the Yellow Pages listed under “office supplies” or
“stationers,” or through catalog sales.

OBTAINING OFFICE/FACILITY INSURANCE


It is prudent for a business, whether service- or manufacturing-oriented, to obtain
property and liability insurance coverage for the physical office or facility.
In general, a business owner policy (BOP) covers:
• Property: Building (if owned);
• Business personal property (building contents);
• Time element (business income and extra expense);
• Liability: Premises/building; and,
• Business operations (Includes bodily injury or property damage).

Specific coverage can be added to a BOP for things such as flood, fine arts and
equipment and employee dishonesty (forgery, embezzlement, burglary). The
best source to find a business or commercial insurance broker is through the
telephone Yellow Pages, listed under “insurance.”

MAKING USE OF GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES


The State of California provides a variety of incentive programs to encourage
investment and reduce the cost of starting and operating a business in California,
such as:
• Research and development tax credits
• Enterprise Zones (EZ)
• Local Agency Military Base Recovery Areas (LAMBRA)
• Employee training and referral services
• Small business financing
• Industrial development bonds
• Pollution control financing and loans
• Local revolving loans, financing and investment incentives

CalBIS can work with companies to determine whether incentive options are
available for the specific business. Details of the above incentive programs and
packages are available through CalBIS.

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Other Resources

AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

STATE

California Business Investment Services – CalBIS


801 K Street, Suite 2100
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 322-0000
Fax: (916) 322-0614
e-mail: CalBIS@labor.ca.gov
Website: http://www.labor.ca.gov/CalBIS

California Chamber of Commerce


1215 K Street, 14th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
P.O. Box 1736, Sacramento, CA 95812-1736
Tel: (916) 444-6670
Membership: (800) 649-4921
Fax: (916) 325-1272
Website: http://www.calbizcentral.com

FEDERAL AND NATIONAL

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)


Website: http://www.sba.gov

SBA Sacramento District Office


650 Capitol Mall, suite 7-500
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 930-3700 Phone
(916) 930-3737 Fax
http://www.sba.gov/ca/sacr/

SBA San Francisco District Office


455 Market Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105-2420
(415) 744-6820
http://www.sba.gov/ca/sf/

SBA Fresno District Office


2719 North Air Fresno Drive, Suite 200
Fresno, CA 93727

Other Resources Page 60


Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Phone: (559) 487-5791


Fax: (559) 487-5636
Toll free call (800) 359-1833 then press 6
http://www.sba.gov/ca/fresno/

SBA Los Angeles District Office


330 North Brand, Suite 1200
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 552-3215
http://www.sba.gov/ca/la/

SBA Santa Ana District Office


200 W Santa Ana Blvd., Suite 700
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 550-7420
Fax (714) 550-0191
http://www.sba.gov/ca/santa/

SBA San Diego District Office


550 West C Street, Suite 550
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 557-7250
FAX: (619) 557-5894
TTY: (619) 557-6998
http://www.sba.gov/ca/sandiego/

U.S. Customs Service


1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20229
Tel: (202) 927-1000
Website: http://www.customs.treas.gov

California ports of entry:


http://www.customs.treas.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/ca/

Trade Information Center


International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) USA-TRADE or
(800) 872-8723
Website: http://www.trade.gov/td/tic/

U.S. International Trade Commission


500 E Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20436
Tel: (202) 205-2000
Website: http://www.usitc.gov/

Other Resources Page 61


Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

American Immigration Lawyers Association


918 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004-1404
Tel: (202) 216-2400
Fax: (202) 783-7853
Website: http://www.aila.org/

PUBLICATIONS

BUSINESS START- UP KITS

Labor, Employment and Environmental Compliance


Various useful publications:

California Chamber of Commerce


1215 K Street, Suite 1400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Toll-free telephone in the United States: (800) 331-8877
Tel: (916) 444-6670
Fax: (916) 444-6685
Website: http://www.calbizcentral.com

California Labor Law Survival Kit


California Chamber of Commerce
See contact information above
Labor Law Helpline: (916) 444-6670
Website: http://www.calbizcentral.com

Employer’s Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act


Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 677-3789
Or (not toll-free): (202) 872-4000
Website:
http://www.thompson.com/public/offerpage.jsp?promo=WAGE07WP&prior
ity=WEB10945

TAXES

Circular E, Employer’s Tax Guide


Internal Revenue Service
Western Area Distribution Center
Rancho Cordova, California 95743-0001
Toll-free telephone within the United States: (800) 829-3676
Website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15.pdf
Additional IRS publications on various federal tax topics can be found on
the Internet at: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html.

Other Resources Page 62


Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

California Employer’s Guide


Download from the Internet at: http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/de44.pdf;
Order online at: http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/taxordn2.htm; or,
Obtain a hard copy from an Employment Tax Office (see Part 4 above).

Guide for Corporations Starting Business in California


(FTB publication 1060)
Franchise Tax Board
Website: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/misc/1060.pdf

Striking Gold in California


Website: http://www.taxes.ca.gov/striking.pdf

PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States


U.S. International Trade Commission
500 E Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20436
(202) 205-1819
Website:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/communications_to_trade/world_custo
ms_org/

INTERNET LINKS TO USEFUL FORMS

Statement of Partnership Authority (GP-1)


Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/gp/forms/gp-1.pdf
Statement of Dissociation (GP-3)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/gp/forms/gp-3.pdf
Statement of Amendment/Cancellation (GP-7)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/gp/forms/gp-7.pdf
Foreign Limited Partnership Application for Registration (LP-5)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/lp/forms/lp-5.pdf
Foreign Limited Partnership Amendment to Application for
Registration (LP-6)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/lp/forms/lp-6.pdf
Limited Partnership Certificate of Cancellation (LP-4/7)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/lp/forms/lp-4.pdf
Registered Limited Liability Partnership Registration (LLP-1)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/forms/llp-1.pdf
Limited Liability Partnership Alternative Security Provision (LLP-3)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/forms/llp-3.pdf

Other Resources Page 63


Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

Limited Liability Partnership Amendment to Registration (LLP-2)


Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/forms/llp-2.pdf
Limited Liability Partnership Notice of Change of Status (LLP-4)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llp/forms/llp-4.pdf
Limited Liability Company Application for Registration LLC-5)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/forms/llc-5.pdf
Limited Liability Company Application for Registration Certificate of
Amendment (LLC-6)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/forms/llc-6.pdf
Limited Liability Company Certificate of Cancellation (LLC-4/7)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/llc/forms/llc-3_4-7_4-8.pdf
Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation (S&DC-General)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/foreign/corp_s&dcgen.pdf
Amended Statement by Foreign Corporation
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/foreign/corp_asdc.pdf
Certificate of Surrender of Right to Transact Intrastate Business
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/corp/pdf/foreign/corp_surr.pdf
Registration of Trademark and Service Mark (LP/TM 100)
Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/ts/forms/tm-100.pdf
Application for Employer Identification Number (Form SS-4)
Website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
Website: http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (Form W-7)
Website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf
Application for a Seller’s Permit as a Retailer –
Individuals/Partnerships/Corporations/Organizations (BOE 400-SPA)
Website: http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/boe400spa.pdf
Registration Form for Commercial Employers (DE 1)
Website: http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxrep/de1.pdf

Other Resources Page 64


Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors

APPENDIX I: CALIFORNIA INVESTMENT GUIDE

For the latest copy of the California Investment Guide, download the guide at
http://www.labor.ca.gov/calBIS/cbbusincentives.pdf, or contact CalBIS staff at:

CalBIS
801 K Street, Suite 2100
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 322-0000
Fax: (916) 322-0614
e-mail: CalBIS@labor.ca.gov
Website: http://www.labor.ca.gov/CalBIS

Appendix I Page 65

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